Pipe support

ABSTRACT

A pipe support is disclosed for restraining a pipe at a position in close proximity to a joint formed by the pipe and a pipe fitting. The pipe support includes a base configured to be secured to a support surface and to interface with an outer surface of the pipe. The pipe support also includes a clamp operable with the base to restrain the pipe. Additionally, the pipe support includes a hinge coupling the base and the clamp, operable to facilitate relative movement between the base and the clamp. The base positions the outer surface of the pipe at a pre-determined distance from the support surface sufficient to at least offset a distance between the outer surface of the pipe and an outer surface of the pipe fitting, thereby preventing a bending load from occurring at the joint upon securing the pipe support to the support surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/540,174, filed Sep. 28, 2011, and entitled, “Pipe Hanger andRestrainer.”

BACKGROUND

Often, it is desirable to restrain or secure pipes, such as firesprinkler pipes, within or to a building or other structure. In manycases, pipes are required to be restrained in accordance with seismic orearthquake building codes and regulations. Such codes may set forthrequirements pertaining to the location and number of restraints withrespect to a pipe. For example, a code may place requirements on asuitable pipe support, such as a pipe hanger, that may be used in amid-region between joints or pipe fittings. Additionally, a code mayplace requirements on a suitable pipe support, such as a brace, that maybe used in close proximity to a joint or pipe fitting. Such requirementstypically specify a minimum load that the pipe support can withstand,with pipe supports in close proximity to joints typically having greaterload requirements than pipe supports in mid-regions between joints, forexample. Traditional pipe supports, particularly those for use in closeproximity to a joint or pipe fitting, include multiple individualcomponents, such as a clamp and multiple fasteners, which require timeconsuming assembly at the time of installation. Additionally, typicalpipe supports require a separate spacer if they are to be used in closeproximity to a joint or pipe fitting in order to prevent inducement of abending load on the joint due to installation of the pipe support nearthe joint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedetailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example,features of the invention; and, wherein:

FIG. 1A is an example illustration of a pipe support system inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a side view of the pipe support system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is an example illustration of a pipe support in accordance withan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the pipe support of FIG. 2A in a closedconfiguration.

FIG. 2C is a side view of the pipe support of FIG. 2A in an openconfiguration.

FIG. 3A is an example illustration of a riser and a platform of a pipesupport in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3B is an example illustration of a riser and a platform of a pipesupport in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3C is an example illustration of a riser and a platform of a pipesupport in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4A is an example illustration of a pipe support in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the pipe support of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is an example illustration of a pipe support in accordance withyet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, andspecific language will be used herein to describe the same. It willnevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete ornearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property,state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is“substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completelyenclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree ofdeviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on thespecific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completionwill be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and totalcompletion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is equallyapplicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the completeor near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state,structure, item, or result.

An initial overview of technology embodiments is provided below and thenspecific technology embodiments are described in further detail later.This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding thetechnology more quickly but is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the technology nor is it intended to limit thescope of the claimed subject matter.

Although traditional pipe supports, when installed properly, areadequate for the task and satisfy code requirements, the assembly ofmultiple components, including a spacer and multiple fasteners, canpresent complexity that slows the installation process. Additionally,the multitude of individual components, such as spacers and fastenersoften used for installation of a single pipe support can lead tosignificant costs due to the quantities needed for many commercialbuildings. Moreover, as it has become common to use different types ofpipe supports at different support locations about the pipe, namelyhangers and braces, installation costs can be further increased due tothe increased number and type of needed parts.

Accordingly, a pipe support is disclosed for restraining a pipe at aposition in close proximity to a joint formed by the pipe and a pipefitting. The pipe support can comprise a base configured to be securedto a support surface (e.g., of a building or other structure) and tointerface with an outer surface of the pipe. The pipe support can alsocomprise a clamp operable with the base to restrain the pipe, whereinthe base and the clamp are of sufficient strength and comprisesufficient stiffness such that the pipe support can function both as ahanger and a restrainer or brace for piping. Additionally, the pipesupport can comprise a hinge coupling the base and the clamp, whereinthe hinge can be operable to facilitate relative movement between thebase and the clamp. The base can be configured to position the outersurface of the pipe at a pre-determined distance from the supportsurface sufficient to at least offset a distance between the outersurface of the pipe and an outer surface of the pipe fitting, therebypreventing a bending load from occurring at the joint upon securing thepipe support to the pipe and the support surface. In one exemplaryembodiment, the pipe support can comprise a single assembly that usesonly a single fastener for installation.

A pipe support system is also disclosed. The pipe support system cancomprise a pipe, a pipe fitting coupled to the pipe to form a joint, anda pipe support capable of restraining the pipe in close proximity to thefitting. The pipe support can comprise a base configured to be securedto a support surface and to interface with an outer surface of the pipe.The pipe support can further comprise a clamp operable with the base torestrain the pipe, as well as a hinge coupling the base and the clamp,wherein the hinge is operable to facilitate relative movement betweenthe base and the clamp. The base can be configured to position the outersurface of the pipe at a pre-determined distance from the supportsurface sufficient to at least offset a distance between the outersurface of the pipe and an outer surface of the pipe fitting, therebypreventing a bending load from occurring at the joint upon securing thepipe support to the pipe and the support surface.

One exemplary embodiment of a pipe support system 100 is illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B. The pipe support system 100 can include a pipe 101. Thepipe 101 can be constructed of any material, such as PVC, ABS, copper,cast iron, steel, etc., and can be used for any purpose, such asconveying a fluid or a gas. The pipe support system 100 can also includea pipe fitting 102 coupled to the pipe 101 to form a joint 103. The pipefitting 102 can be constructed of any material suitable for forming ajoint with the pipe 101. In some aspects, an adhesive, cement, glue,weld, braze, etc. may be utilized to secure the pipe 101 to the pipefitting 102. In one embodiment, the pipe 101 and the pipe fitting 102can be constructed of PVC and secured to one another with a cement toform the joint 103. Such a pipe and pipe fitting can be used in a firesprinkler system for a building, for example. However, other systems,applications or uses are contemplated. Additionally, the pipe supportsystem 100 can include a pipe support 110 capable of restraining thepipe 101 in close proximity to the pipe fitting 102. The pipe supportsdisclosed herein are capable of satisfying code requirements forrestraining a pipe in close proximity to a joint or in a mid-region ofthe pipe between joints. This multi-use or dual-purpose potential of thepipe supports disclosed herein can provide flexibility in installationand can simplify manufacture, procurement, inventory management, andinstallation in terms of the pipe supports needed for a given project.

With reference to FIGS. 2A-2C, and with continuing reference to FIGS. 1Aand 1B, the pipe support 110 can comprise a base 120 configured to besecured to a support surface 104 (e.g., a structural component (e.g.,wall) of a building or other structure) and to interface with an outersurface of the pipe 101. The pipe support 110 can also comprise a clamp130 operable with the base 120 to restrain the pipe 101. The base andthe clamp can be designed such that the pipe support is capable offunctioning both as a hanger and a restrainer or brace for piping.Specifically, the base 120 and the clamp 130 can be configured tocomprise sufficient strength and stiffness properties to enable the pipesupport to be used as a hanger or as a restrainer (i.e., to be securedto a pipe in close proximity to a pipe fitting). In addition, the pipesupport 110 can comprise a hinge 140 coupling the base 120 and the clamp130. The hinge 140 can be operable to facilitate relative movementbetween the base 120 and the clamp 130. In one embodiment, the pipesupport 110 can comprise a single assembly, which can be formed by asingle unitary construction of the base 120, the hinge 140, and theclamp 130, wherein the clamp can be secured to the base using a singlefastener.

The base 120 can comprise a platform 121 supported about one or moreribs or risers, such as risers 122 a, 122 b that extend outward from thebase 120. The risers 122 a, 122 b can be configured to interface withthe support surface 104 support the platform 121 in an elevated positionabove the support surface 104. The risers 122 a, 122 b can also beconfigured to enhance the strength and stiffness properties of the base120 to acceptable levels that would enable the pipe support 110 tofunction as a restrainer or brace in accordance with applicable buildingcodes. The platform 121 can be configured to receive and interface withthe pipe 101, and particularly the outer surface 107 of the pipe 101 (asshown in FIG. 1B). In one aspect, at least two risers 122 a, 122 b canbe arranged in parallel to support the platform 121. For example, theplatform 121 and the risers 122 a, 122 b can be configured such that thebase 120 forms a channel or U-shape. Thus, as shown and describedherein, the base can include one or more risers. Additionally, asdescribed further below, it is contemplated that a riser and a platformcan be part of a single unitary structure or form parts of separatestructures coupled to one another.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, a single riser can comprise a thin,narrow structure, such as riser 221 a or riser 221 b (FIG. 3A) or asingle riser can comprise a thick, solid structure, such as riser 322(FIG. 3B). Additionally, thin risers 221 a, 221 b can be in aperpendicular orientation relative to the platform 221. In anotheraspect, a riser can comprise a plurality of structures in a parallelorientation relative to a platform, such as the stack of thin risers 422a-422 e shown relative to platform 421 (FIG. 3C). Moreover, FIGS. 3A-3Cillustrate that a platform can comprise, at least in part, an uppersurface of a riser. For example, platform 221 can comprise, at least inpart, an upper surface of riser 221 a and/or riser 221 b. Likewise,platform 321 can comprise an upper surface of riser 322. Platform 421can comprise an upper surface of riser 422 a. These examples illustratesome of the many different configurations of how a base can be formedand configured, but these should not be construed as limiting in anyway.

With particular reference to FIG. 1B, and further reference to FIGS. 1Aand 2A-2C, the pipe support 110 is shown as being in close proximity toa pipe fitting 102. The base 120 can be configured to position the outersurface 107 of the pipe 101 at a pre-determined distance 105 from thesupport surface 104 as the pipe 101 is supported on or about the base120. In a sense, it can be said that the base 120 can provide a“built-in” spacer to position the outer surface 107 of the pipe 101 at apre-determined distance 105 from the support surface 104. The distance105 can be sufficient to at least offset a distance 106 between theouter surface 107 of the pipe 101 and an outer surface 108 of the pipefitting 102, which can prevent a bending load from occurring at thejoint 103 upon securing the pipe support 110 to the pipe 101 and thesupport surface 104. In other words, the platform 121 can be positioned,such as by the risers 122 a, 122 b, at a predetermined distance from alower surface of the base 120, which can be in contact with the supportsurface 104. The platform 121 can therefore be separated or offset fromthe support surface 104 by the predetermined distance 105, which meetsor exceeds the distance 106 between the outer surface 107 of the pipe101 and an outer surface 108 of the pipe fitting 102. This prevents thesupport surface 104 applying an unwanted force against the pipe fitting102 when the pipe 101 is secured by the pipe support 110, which wouldtend to induce a bending load in the joint 103 as well as contact stressat location 112 between the pipe 101 and the clamp 130. The distance 105can be at least as great as the distance 106 in order to prevent abending load from occurring at the joint 103 when the pipe support 110is secured to the pipe 101 and the support surface 104. In other words,a distance 105 that is equal to or greater than the distance 106 willreduce or eliminate the potential for a bending load at the joint 103.In one aspect, the distances 105 and 106 can be such that a clearance109 is provided between the outer surface of the pipe fitting 102 andthe support surface 104.

As further shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the pipe support 110 can comprise ahinge 140 operably coupling the base 120 to the clamp 130. The hinge 140can comprise a compliant ligament 141. In the example shown, thecompliant ligament 141 comprises a strip of material extending betweenthe base 120 and the clamp 130, which is capable of undergoing bending.The strip can be formed of metal or another suitable material. In thiscase, the strip of material, or the compliant ligament 140, the base 120and the clamp 130 comprise a unitary structure, with the compliantligament being formed and defined by a bend in the material, and havinga reduced width 143.

In general, the compliant ligament 141 can be coupled to a fixed endportion 123 of the base 120 and to a fixed end portion 133 of the clamp130. Actuation of the hinge 140, namely bending of the compliantligament 141, can allow a free end portion 134 of the clamp 130 to moverelative to a free end portion 124 of the base 120, which can permit thepipe support 110 to receive and secure the pipe 101. In other words, thefixed end portion 123 of the base 120 can be separated from the fixedend portion 133 of the clamp 130 by the hinge 140. The compliantligament 141 of the hinge 140 can be of any suitable length 142 to allowthe clamp 130 and base 120 to pivot relative to one another about thehinge 140. In one aspect, the length 142 and configuration of thecompliant ligament 141 can be configured to limit stress in the ligamentcaused by the relative rotation between the clamp 130 and the base 120.For instance, the compliant ligament 141 can be configured such that thehinge 140 is capable of undergoing at least 10 close and open cycles toa position of at least 90 degrees of relative rotation 114 between theclamp 130 and the base, with the pipe support still being usable. Otherconfigurations of compliant ligaments are contemplated herein, withthose shown in the drawings and described herein not intending to belimiting in any way.

As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the clamp 130 can include a curved section orradius 135 that is configured to extend about half way around the pipe101, and to accommodate a radius of the pipe 101. In one aspect,although not to be limiting, the radius 135 can be substantially thesame as a radius of the pipe 101. In a further aspect, the radius 135can be pre-formed and permanent or fixed, remaining substantiallyunaffected when the clamp 130 secures the pipe 101. Straight sections131, 132 can extend from each end of the curved section or radius 135 ofthe clamp 130. Straight section 131 can terminate at the fixed endportion 133 of the clamp 130 and straight section 132 can terminate atthe free end portion 134 of the clamp 130. The straight section 131 canbe coupled to the hinge 140, such as an end of the compliant ligament141. The straight section 132 can be coupled to a tab 136, which can beconfigured to secure the free end portion 134 of the clamp 130 to thefree end portion 124 of the base 120. For example, the tab 136 can beconfigured to interface with a fastener 150 (as in FIG. 1B), such aswith an opening 137. The base 120 can also include an opening 127 toallow passage of the fastener 150 therethrough when aligned with theopening 137 in the tab 136. The fastener 150 can therefore couple thefree end portion 134 of the clamp 130 to the free end portion 124 of thebase 120 as well as secure the pipe support 110 to the support surface104 in order to secure the pipe 101 to the pipe support 110. Oneadvantage of the pipe supports of the present disclosure over typicalpipe supports is that the free end portion 134 of the clamp 130 can besecured or coupled to the base 120 using only a single fastener. Indeed,in the embodiment shown, the tab 136, as extending orthogonally from thefree end of the clamp 130 can be caused engage and couple to the base120 as the clamp 130 and the base 120 are moved relative to one anotherto close the pipe support 110. The base 120 can comprise a portion orsegment that extends some distance beyond the free end of the clamp 130(with the pipe support 110 in the closed position), thus providing aspace for the tab 136 to interface with and couple to the base 120. Inthis position, the openings 127 and 137 can be caused to align and afastener inserted therethrough to secure the pipe support 110 around thepipe 101. It should be recognized that the fastener 150 can include abolt, screw, nut, rivet, or any other suitable attachment structure,system, device or method.

In addition, when the pipe support 110 is in the configuration shown inFIG. 2B, the compliant ligament 141 of the hinge 140 can have a radius145. The radius 145 of the compliant ligament 141 can result from movingthe clamp 130 from an open position (as shown in FIG. 2C) to a closedposition (as shown in FIG. 2B). Thus, the radius 145 can result from thelength 142 of the compliant ligament 141 as well as the angle ofrotation between the clamp 130 and the base 120. As shown in FIG. 2B,the radius 145 of the compliant ligament 141 can be configured such thatit is different (typically smaller) from the radius 135 of the clamp130. This feature can function to ensure that no portion of thecompliant ligament 141 of the hinge 140 will contact the pipe 101 whenthe pipe support 110 is securing the pipe 101, if desired.

The pipe support 110 can be configured to confine substantially allbending and deflection to the hinge 140, and particularly the compliantligament 141, as the clamp 130 is moved between open and closedpositions. In other words, the pipe support 110 can be configured suchthat it is the compliant ligament 141 that flexes and bends rather thanthe base 120 and/or the clamp 130, wherein flexing or bending is notdistributed across the hinge 140, base 120, and clamp 130, but isconfined or isolated to the hinge 140. The elements of the pipe support110 are therefore configured to provide controlled deflection meaningthat, as the pipe support is opened and/or closed, deflection therein iscontrolled to be within or confined to a specific component or locationor segment of the pipe support 110. To help facilitate this, in oneaspect, the compliant ligament 141 can have a reduced material width 143and/or thickness 144 to reduce the cross-sectional area compared to thebase 120 and/or the clamp 130. In another aspect, the compliant ligamentcan comprise a reduction of material compared to the base 120 or clamp130 (e.g., holes, scoring, perforations, etc.). In still another aspect,the base 120 and/or the clamp 130 can have features or structureconfigured to provide increased bending stiffness relative to thecompliant ligament 141. In one particular example of this, the clamp 130can comprise a flared edge 138 configured to prevent the edge fromcontacting the pipe 101. The flared edge 138 can further function in asimilar manner as the risers operable with the base, namely to increasethe strength and stiffness properties of the clamp 130 sufficient toenable the pipe support to be used as a restrainer or brace in additionto just a hanger. Indeed, in one aspect, the flared edge 138 can enhancestrength and stiffness of the clamp 130 to minimize or prevent bendingof the clamp 130 during use. In another aspect, the risers 122 a, 122 bcan be configured to enhance strength and stiffness of the base 120 tominimize or prevent bending of the base 120 during use. Sufficientstrength and stiffness of the clamp 130 and base 120 relative to thehinge 140 or compliant ligament 141 can increase the functionality ofthe pipe support as discussed herein, as well as confine substantiallyall bending and deflection to the hinge 140 as the clamp 130 is movedbetween open and closed positions.

With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, another exemplary pipe support 510 isillustrated with a hinge 540 that comprises a plurality of compliantligaments 541 a, 541 b. As compared to the compliant ligament 141 ofFIGS. 2A-2C, the compliant ligaments 541 a, 541 b are relatively shortand have a relatively small cross-sectional area. The relatively shortlength of compliant ligaments 541 a, 541 b results in a smaller radius545 when the clamp 530 is in the closed position (FIG. 4B). The lengthand cross-sectional area (i.e., with and/or thickness) of a compliantligament can therefore vary to a substantial degree.

With reference to FIG. 5, still another exemplary pipe support 610,which comprises a separable two-piece hinge 640. In this embodiment, thehinge 640 lacks a compliant ligament, as discussed above, whichpermanently couples a base and a clamp to one another. Instead, theclamp 630 is removably attachable to the base 620 upon assembly of thehinge 640. As other designs or configurations are contemplated, in oneexemplary embodiment the two-piece hinge 640 can comprise a T-bar 641formed at a fixed end portion 633 of the clamp 630, and a slot 642formed at a fixed end portion 623 of the base 620. The T-bar 641 can beremovably inserted into the slot 642 to assemble the hinge 640. In oneaspect, the slot 642 comprises a T-slot and the T-bar 641 is insertableinto the “cross” 643 of the “T”. The T-bar 641 can slide toward thefixed end portion 623 of the base 620 to complete assembly of thetwo-piece hinge 640. A gap 644 in the T-bar 641 can be configured toposition the “cross” 645 of the T-bar 641 on an underside of the base620 and to allow rotation of the hinge 640, such that the clamp 630 canrotate relative to the base 620 as facilitated by the hinge 640. TheT-bar 641 can also be disposed at an angle to enhance rotation and/orrange of motion of the hinge 640, or to provide more optimal positioningof the base relative to the clamp with the hinge in a specific position.Despite the two-piece nature of the hinge 640, in one aspect, the pipesupport 610 can comprise a single unit, wherein the two-piece hinge 640can be pre-assembled prior to installation, with the base 120 and theclamp 130 coupled to one another via the hinge 640. In this way, aninstaller of pipe supports can easily select the pipe support 610pre-assembled as a single unit from a container or package of many pipesupports 610, without the need of selecting and assembling thecomponents on-site. As with other embodiments, a single fastener canthen be used to secure together the free ends of the clamp and the baseabout a pipe, as well as to the support surface.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method offacilitating restraint of a pipe at a position in close proximity to ajoint formed by the pipe and a pipe fitting is disclosed. The method cancomprise providing a pipe support having a base configured to be securedto a support surface and to interface with an outer surface of the pipe,a clamp operable with the base to restrain the pipe, and a hingecoupling the base and the clamp, and operable to facilitate relativemovement between the base and the clamp. The method can further comprisefacilitating positioning of the outer surface of the pipe, with thebase, at a pre-determined distance from the support surface sufficientto at least offset a distance between the outer surface of the pipe andan outer surface of the pipe fitting, thereby preventing a bending loadfrom occurring at the joint upon securing the pipe support to the pipeand the support surface. In one aspect, the method can further comprisefacilitating securing the pipe support to the support surface using asingle fastener, thus simplifying installation, as well as reducinginstallation times and associated installation costs.

It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosedare not limited to the particular structures, process steps, ormaterials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof aswould be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. Itshould also be understood that terminology employed herein is used forthe purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is notintended to be limiting.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearancesof the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in variousplaces throughout this specification are not necessarily all referringto the same embodiment.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary. In addition, various embodiments and examples of the presentinvention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for thevarious components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments,examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de factoequivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate andautonomous representations of the present invention.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In thefollowing description, numerous specific details are provided, such asexamples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in therelevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can bepracticed without one or more of the specific details, or with othermethods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, it is possiblethat well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

While the foregoing examples are illustrative of the principles of thepresent invention in one or more particular applications, it will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be madewithout the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing fromthe principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is notintended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims setforth below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pipe support for restraining a pipe at aposition in close proximity to a joint formed by the pipe and a pipefitting, the pipe support comprising: a base configured to be secured toa support surface, the base comprising: a planar platform havingopposite longitudinal ends, a length extending between the oppositelongitudinal ends, opposite first and second side edges, and a widthextending between the first and second side edges, the platform beingconfigured to engage an outer surface of the pipe; a first flangeextending downward from the first side edge and extending along thelength of the platform; and a second flange extending downward from thesecond side edge and extending along the length of the platform, thefirst and second flanges being generally perpendicular to the platformand configured to engage the support surface; a clamp operable with thebase to restrain the pipe; and a hinge coupling the base and the clamp,and operable to facilitate movement of the clamp relative to the basebetween open and closed positions, wherein the first and second flangesposition the platform at a pre-determined distance from the supportsurface sufficient to offset a distance between the outer surface of thepipe and an outer surface of the pipe fitting, thereby preventing abending load from occurring at the joint upon securing the pipe supportto the support surface.
 2. The pipe support of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second flanges are arranged in parallel to support theplatform.
 3. The pipe support of claim 1, wherein the clamp comprises afixed end portion attached to the hinge and a free end portion oppositethe fixed end portion, the free end portion configured to be secured toa free end portion of the base.
 4. The pipe support of claim 1, whereinthe clamp comprises a first straight segment attached to the hinge, acurved segment extending from the first straight segment opposite thehinge, and a second straight segment extending from the curved segmentopposite the first straight segment, the first and second straightsegments being generally parallel.
 5. The pipe support of claim 1,wherein the hinge comprises a compliant ligament extending between thebase and the clamp, and wherein deflection within the pipe support issubstantially confined to the compliant ligament.
 6. The pipe support ofclaim 5, wherein the compliant ligament is configured to limit stresstherein sufficient to allow the hinge to undergo at least 10 open andclose cycles comprising at least 90 degrees of relative rotation betweenthe clamp and the base.
 7. The pipe support of claim 5, wherein thecompliant ligament comprises a radius different from a radius of theclamp.
 8. The pipe support of claim 1, wherein the hinge comprises aplurality of compliant ligaments.
 9. The pipe support of claim 1,wherein the hinge comprises a separable two-piece hinge, and wherein theclamp is attachable to the base upon assembly of the hinge.
 10. The pipesupport of claim 9, wherein the two-piece hinge comprises a T-bar formedat a fixed end portion of the clamp, and a slot formed at a fixed endportion of the base, the T-bar being insertable into the slot toassemble the hinge.
 11. The pipe support of claim 9, wherein the slotcomprises a T-slot.
 12. The pipe support of claim 4, wherein the clampcomprises a flared edge configured to prevent an edge of the clamp fromcontacting the pipe, the flared edge including a flange extending alonga length of the curved segment.
 13. The pipe support of claim 3, theclamp further comprising a tab extending from the free end portion, thetab configured to engage the planar platform when the clamp is in theclosed position.
 14. A pipe support system, comprising: a pipe; a pipefitting coupled to the pipe to form a joint; and a pipe supportconfigured to restrain the pipe in close proximity to the fitting, thepipe support comprising: a base configured to be secured to a supportsurface and having a planar platform configured to engage an outersurface of the pipe, the base further comprising at least one flangeextending downward from a side edge of the planar platform and extendingalong a length of the platform, the at least one flange being generallyperpendicular to the platform and configured to engage the supportsurface, a clamp operable with the base to restrain the pipe, and ahinge coupling the base and the clamp, and operable to facilitatemovement of the clamp relative to the base between open and closedpositions, wherein the at least one flange positions the platform at apre-determined distance from the support surface sufficient to offset adistance between the outer surface of the pipe and an outer surface ofthe pipe fitting, thereby preventing a bending load from occurring atthe joint upon securing the pipe support to the support surface.
 15. Thesystem of claim 14, wherein the flange comprises at least two flangesextending downward from the platform, the at least two flanges beingarranged in parallel to support the platform.
 16. The system of claim14, wherein the hinge comprises a compliant ligament extending betweenthe base and the clamp, and wherein deflection within the pipe supportis substantially confined to the compliant ligament.
 17. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the compliant ligament is configured to limit stresstherein sufficient to allow the hinge to undergo at least 10 close andopen cycles comprising relative rotation between the clamp and the basesufficient to alternately secure and release the pipe.
 18. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the hinge comprises a plurality of compliantligaments.
 19. The system of claim 14, wherein the hinge comprises aseparable two-piece hinge, and wherein the clamp is attachable to thebase upon assembly of the hinge.
 20. The system of claim 14, furthercomprising a fastener coupling a free end portion of the clamp to a freeend portion of the base to secure the pipe to the pipe support.
 21. Thesystem of claim 20, wherein the free end portion of the clamp is securedto the base using a single fastener.
 22. The system of claim 20, whereinthe free end portion of the clamp comprises a tab configured to engagethe planar platform of the base when the clamp is in the closed positionto secure the pipe support to the support surface.
 23. A method ofrestraining a pipe at a position in close proximity to a joint formed bythe pipe and a pipe fitting, the method comprising: providing a pipesupport having a base configured to be secured to a support surface andhaving a planar platform configured to engage an outer surface of thepipe, the base further comprising at least one flange extending downwardfrom a side edge of the planar platform and extending along a length ofthe platform, the at least one flange being generally perpendicular tothe platform and configured to engage the support surface, a clampoperable with the base to restrain the pipe, and a hinge coupling thebase and the clamp, and operable to facilitate movement of the clamprelative to the base; and positioning the pipe on the planar platform ofthe base, such that the outer surface of the pipe is located at apre-determined distance from the support surface sufficient to offset adistance between the outer surface of the pipe and an outer surface ofthe pipe fitting, thereby preventing a bending load from occurring atthe joint upon securing the pipe support to the support surface.
 24. Themethod of claim 23, further comprising securing the pipe support to thesupport surface and a free end of the clamp to a free end of the baseusing a single fastener extending through the support surface, throughthe planar platform, and through a tab at the free end of the clamp. 25.The method of claim 24, further comprising restraining the pipe in thepipe support by moving the clamp relative to the base to a closedposition in which the tab of the clamp engages the planar platform ofthe base.
 26. The pipe support of claim 1, wherein the base has agenerally U-shaped cross section.
 27. The pipe support system of claim14, wherein the base of the pipe support has a generally U-shaped crosssection.